Childhood myopia is on the rise — and fast action now can help protect your child’s future vision. At Mt. Airy Medical Eye Center in Mount Airy, we provide customized care to slow the progression of nearsightedness and support healthy development.
What Causes Myopia in Kids — and Why It’s Increasing
Myopia, or nearsightedness, means your child can see nearby objects clearly but struggles to see things far away. It’s not just about blurry vision — unchecked myopia can lead to serious eye health risks later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and early cataracts.
So why are more children developing myopia now than ever before?
- More screen time for school, homework, and entertainment
- Less time spent outdoors, which is proven to help reduce risk
- Genetic predisposition, especially if one or both parents are nearsighted
The earlier myopia starts, the more likely it is to progress quickly. That’s why regular eye exams are crucial — especially if your child complains about blurry vision, headaches, or squinting in class.
What Myopia Treatments Are Offered at Mt. Airy Medical Eye Center?
We offer several clinically proven solutions designed specifically to slow the progression of myopia in children:
Atropine Therapy
This low-dose medicated eye drop is used at bedtime to slow the growth of the eye, reducing the risk of high myopia as children age. It’s safe, effective, and easy to administer.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) for Kids
These specialty lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, so your child wakes up with clear vision all day — no glasses or daytime contacts needed. It’s ideal for active kids or those involved in sports.
MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses
FDA-approved for children as young as 8, these soft daily disposable lenses are proven to slow myopia progression while correcting distance vision during the day. They’re a comfortable and convenient option for many kids.
Our doctors will help you decide which treatment best fits your child’s lifestyle, vision needs, and progression risk. Every plan is customized — because no two kids see the world exactly the same way.
What Can Parents Do to Help?
While professional myopia control is key, there are simple steps parents can take at home to support their child’s visual health:
- Encourage outdoor play for at least 90 minutes a day. Natural light helps slow eye growth linked to myopia.
- Set screen-time limits and remind kids to take a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Watch for symptoms like squinting, sitting too close to screens, or complaints of headaches or blurry vision.
A combination of lifestyle adjustments and clinical treatments can make a lasting difference in how your child sees the world — now and in the future.
FAQs About Myopia in Children
At what age does myopia usually start?
Most kids are diagnosed between ages 6–12, but it can begin earlier. The earlier it starts, the faster it tends to progress.
Will glasses fix the problem?
Glasses help your child see clearly, but they don’t stop myopia from getting worse. That’s where myopia management comes in.
Is myopia a serious condition?
It can be. Higher levels of myopia are linked to increased risks of eye disease in adulthood — that’s why early care matters.
Myopia Management in Mount Airy
Your child’s future vision starts with smart care today. At Mt. Airy Medical Eye Center, we specialize in pediatric eye health and offer advanced myopia control options that go beyond what standard glasses can do.
If your child has been diagnosed with nearsightedness or is showing signs of visual strain, schedule an appointment with our pediatric optometry team in Mount Airy. Let’s protect their sight — and their future.